Under The National Youth Pathways Program
By Tokpa M. Tarnue
VOINJAMA, Liberia— The Ministry of Youth and Sports has launched a small-scale grant initiative aimed at supporting market vendors and other young entrepreneurs across Liberia under its National Youth Pathways Program.
The initiative, which kicked off over the weekend (Saturday September 5, 2026), is designed to provide financial assistance to selected market vendors, particularly young people engaged in small businesses, as part of government’s broader efforts to promote youth economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance.
The launch of the small-scale grant forms part of government’s ongoing efforts to empower young people economically and reduce unemployment by creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the launch, Youth and Sports minister Cornelia Wonkerleh Kruah said the grant is intended to help beneficiaries strengthen their businesses, increase their income, create employment opportunities, and improve their ability to contribute to the local economy.
Minister Kruah emphasized that the National Youth Pathways Program seeks to create practical economic opportunities for young Liberians by connecting them with skills development, entrepreneurship support, financial resources, and other pathways toward sustainable livelihoods.
“This small-scale grant is will assist eligible market vendors with capital to expand their businesses, purchase commodities, improve their market operations, and address some of the financial challenges confronting small-scale entrepreneurs” she indicated.
Also speaking at the launch, Lofa County Superintendent Hon. J. Lavelah Massaquoi encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and invest them directly into their businesses to ensure that the support produces lasting economic benefits.
He said, government remains committee to addressing the issue of unemployment across the country.
Market vendors welcoming the initiative described the grant as a timely intervention, noting that access to affordable capital remains one of the major challenges facing small-scale businesses.
They expressed appreciation to the government for recognizing the contribution of market vendors and young entrepreneurs to community development and called for continued support to enable them to expand their businesses.
Beneficiaries of the initiative were further challenged to maintain proper records of their businesses, demonstrate accountability, and make productive use of the financial support.
A little over one hundred market vendors are expected to benefit from the ministry small-scale grant from across Lofa County.
Through the National Youth Pathways Program, the Ministry says it remains committed to working with young Liberians and other stakeholders to develop pathways that will enable youth to become economically independent and contribute meaningfully to Liberia’s development.